Synthesis and characterization of iron-containing MCM-41 porous silica by the exchange method of the template

The synthesis and characterization of iron-containing MCM-41 porous silica using the exchange method of the template with the iron salts FeCl3.6H(2)O and (Fe3Ac6O.3H(2)O)NO3 is reported. Proper conditions under which the exch ange reactions can be accomplished without destroying the lattice structure of the parent MCM-41 material were examined, Quantitative measurements upo n template removal reveal the existence of ion pairs of surfactant molecule s as a constituent of the template structure. Mesoporous silica planted wit h iron exhibits good thermal stability and high surface areas. Reflectance- IR, EPR, and Mossbauer measurements provide clear evidence for the iron gra fting into the silicon oxide network of the calcined products.